20th Biodiversity Conservation Awards

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN SPAIN

Candidates will be public or private non-profit entities with their registered offices in Spain, and meeting the following requirements:

• Legally established before the year 2023.
• Stating activities relating to environmental and biodiversity conservation as part of their organizational purpose.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN LATIN AMERICA

Candidates will be public or private non-profit entities with their registered offices in a Latin American country, and meeting the following requirements:

• Legally established before the year 2023.
• Stating activities relating to environmental and biodiversity conservation as part of their organizational purpose.

BBVA FOUNDATION WORLDWIDE AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

Candidates will be public or private non-profit entities with their registered offices in any country, and meeting the following requirements:

• Legally established before the year 2023.
• Stating activities relating to environmental and biodiversity conservation as part of their organizational purpose.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN SPANISH

Candidates will be natural persons of any nationality working in Spanish-language communication, dissemination and awareness-raising in the realm of biodiversity conservation.

Joint entries will be accepted from two or more persons that have worked collaboratively on the above dissemination activities.

No candidature may be submitted for more than one award.

All entries must be submitted using the online form provided on the BBVA Foundation website: http://www.biophilia-fbbva.es/en/ and/or www.fbbva.es/en/.

The documentation accompanying entries in the category BBVA Foundation Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation may be presented in Spanish or in English.

In the remaining categories, all documentation must be presented in Spanish, with the exception of letters of support, which may be in English.

Materials documenting the implementation of candidate projects or communication and dissemination activities may be presented in other languages, whatever the award category, provided they are accompanied by a summary in Spanish or in English.

The submission period for these awards closes on, April 1, 2025 at 12 noon (Spanish standard time), by which point the candidature must have been submitted in its entirety. No entries will be accepted after this date and time.

If the submission contains rectifiable errors, the BBVA Foundation will inform the candidate to this effect, giving a non-extendible period of ten calendar days as of this notification in which to correct them, so the entry may be accepted for consideration.

Candidatures will include only the documents appearing below, according to the prize category:

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN SPAIN

1. Description of the action carried out (10 A4 pages max. in PDF format).
2. Description of the organization in charge (5 A4 pages max. in PDF format).
3. Copy in PDF format or else access link to materials substantiating the execution of the action, where pertinent (up to a maximum of 20).
4. Optionally, letters of support (up to a maximum of three) addressed to the chair of the jury of the BBVA Foundation Award for Biodiversity Conservation in Spain, signed by the representatives of the organizations or the individual experts endorsing the candidature, with arguments supporting the significance and impact of the action carried out. These letters should be sent directly by their signatories before the deadline for entries stated in point 3 of these call conditions. Letters should offer a short reasoned account of the significance of the specific conservation action being submitted for the award, as well as its overall contribution to the conservation of the environment. All letters should be presented in PDF format.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN LATIN AMERICA

1. Description of the action carried out (10 A4 pages max. in PDF format).
2. Description of the organization in charge (5 A4 pages max. in PDF format).
3. Copy in PDF format or else access link to materials substantiating the execution of the action, where pertinent (up to a maximum of 20).
4. Optionally, letters of support (up to a maximum of three) addressed to the chair of the jury of the BBVA Foundation Award for Biodiversity Conservation in Latin America, signed by the representatives of the organizations or the individual experts endorsing the candidature, with arguments supporting the significance and impact of the action carried out. These letters should be sent directly by their signatories before the deadline for entries stated in point 3 of these call conditions. Letters should offer a short reasoned account of the significance of the specific conservation action being submitted for the award, as well as its overall contribution to the conservation of the environment. All letters should be presented in PDF format.

BBVA FOUNDATION WORLDWIDE AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

1. Description of the action carried out (10 A4 pages max. in PDF format).
2. Description of the organization in charge (5 A4 pages max. in PDF format).
3. Copy in PDF format or else access link to materials substantiating the execution of the action, where pertinent (up to a maximum of 20).
4. Optionally, letters of support (up to a maximum of three) addressed to the chair of the jury of the BBVA Foundation Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation, signed by the representatives of the organizations or the individual experts endorsing the candidature, with arguments supporting the significance and impact of the action carried out. These letters should be sent directly by their signatories before the deadline for entries stated in point 3 of these call conditions. Letters should offer a short reasoned account of the significance of the specific conservation action being put forward for the award, as well as its overall contribution to the conservation of the environment. All letters should be presented in PDF format.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN SPANISH

1. Description of communication and dissemination activities (5 A4 pages max. in PDF format).
2. Curriculum vitae of candidate(s) (up to a maximum of twenty candidates, in PDF format).
3. Copy in PDF format or else access link to communication and dissemination materials of the greatest significance and impact, where pertinent (up to a maximum of 20).
4. Optionally, letters of support (up to a maximum of three) addressed to the chair of the jury of the BBVA Foundation Awards for Knowledge Dissemination and Communication in Biodiversity Conservation in Spanish, signed by the representatives of the organizations or the individual experts endorsing the candidature, with arguments supporting the merits of the candidate(s) and the importance and impact of the activities carried out. These letters should be sent directly by their signatories before the deadline for entries stated in point 3 of these call conditions. Letters should offer a short reasoned account of the significance of the candidate’s contribution in communication, education and awareness-raising in the realm of biodiversity and environmental conservation, along with their general contribution to disseminating knowledge and raising public awareness on the conservation of the environment. In the case of joint candidatures, express reference must be made to all members. Letters should be presented in PDF format.

The BBVA Foundation guarantees the confidentiality of all documentation, which will be archived following the award decision.

The BBVA Foundation Awards for Biodiversity Conservation will have the following content in each category:

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN SPAIN

A single award comprising 250,000 euros, a diploma and a commemorative artwork.

Once the award has been notified, the winning organization must furnish the following documentation:

• Document attesting to the nature of the organization and its engagement in the activities stated in point 2 of these call conditions. Also, where appropriate, a copy of the organization’s entry in the corresponding registry.
• Copy of the organization or institution’s bylaws or governing regulations.
• Copy of its tax identification number.
• Where appropriate, a certificate from the tax authorities attesting to its charitable or non-profit status.

Once these requirements are met, the BBVA Foundation will deliver the full amount of the award to the winning organization at a public ceremony convened for this purpose.

The prize money will be spent to further the organizational purposes of the receiving organization or institution in the manner that it determines, with the decision notified to the BBVA Foundation within the six months following the award presentation ceremony.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN LATIN AMERICA

A single award comprising 250,000 euros, a diploma and a commemorative artwork.

Once the award has been notified, the winning organization must furnish the following documentation:

• Document attesting to the nature of the organization and its engagement in the activities stated in point 2 of these call conditions. Also, where appropriate, a copy of the organization’s entry in the corresponding registry.
• Copy of the organization or institution’s bylaws or governing regulations.
• Copy of its tax identification number.
• Where appropriate, a certificate from the tax authorities attesting to its charitable or non-profit status.

Once these requirements are met, the BBVA Foundation will deliver the full amount of the award to the winning organization at a public ceremony convened for this purpose.

The prize money will be spent to further the organizational purposes of the receiving organization or institution in the manner that it determines, with the decision notified to the BBVA Foundation within the six months following the award presentation ceremony.

BBVA FOUNDATION WORLDWIDE AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

A single award comprising 250,000 euros, a diploma and a commemorative artwork.

Once the award has been notified, the winning organization must furnish the following documentation:

• Document attesting to the nature of the organization and its engagement in the activities stated in point 2 of these call conditions. Also, where appropriate, a copy of the organization’s entry in the corresponding registry.
• Copy of the organization or institution’s bylaws or governing regulations.
• Copy of its tax identification number.
• Where appropriate, a certificate from the tax authorities attesting to its charitable or non-profit status.

Once these requirements are met, the BBVA Foundation will deliver the full amount of the award to the winning organization at a public ceremony convened for this purpose.

The prize money will be spent to further the organizational purposes of the receiving organization or institution in the manner that it determines, with the decision notified to the BBVA Foundation within the six months following the award presentation ceremony.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN SPANISH

Two awards will be given, each consisting of 80,000 euros prize money, a diploma and a commemorative artwork.

In the event that an award goes to a joint entry comprising two or more individuals, its monetary amount will be divided equally among them.

The BBVA Foundation will deliver the full amount of the award to the winning individuals at a public ceremony convened for this purpose. The prize money in this category may be spent at the winners’ discretion.

All awards, in whatever category, are subject to the withholding and other taxes stipulated in current legislation, which will be deducted from the corresponding monetary amount.

All candidatures correctly submitted will be assessed by a jury made up of eminent researchers and experts in environmental conservation and communication, who will reach their award decision by reference to the following evaluation criteria:

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN SPAIN

• Direct contribution of the projects, policies or activities to the conservation of species, habitats and/or ecosystems under threat.
• Projects must be of an eminently applied nature and may not consist exclusively or principally of scientific research.
• Innovation and originality of the contribution.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN LATIN AMERICA

• Direct contribution of the projects, policies or activities to the conservation of species, habitats and/or ecosystems under threat.
• Projects must be of an eminently applied nature and may not consist exclusively or principally of scientific research.
• Innovation and originality of the contribution.
• Geographical scope of the action.

BBVA FOUNDATION WORLDWIDE AWARD FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

• Direct contribution of the projects, policies or activities to the conservation of species, habitats and/or ecosystems under threat.
• Projects must be of an eminently applied nature and may not consist exclusively or principally of scientific research.
• Innovation and originality of the contribution.
• Geographical scope of the action.

BBVA FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN SPANISH

• Dissemination activities may consist of articles, monographs, outreach books or multimedia materials; the production, editing or presentation of news stories, reports and documentaries; the curation and design of exhibitions; or the production and dissemination of content and activities through any media channel (press, radio, television, film, internet or social media, among others).
• Innovation and originality of the dissemination activities.
• Scientific quality of the content.
• Social impact of the dissemination activities.

The jury in each category of this edition of the BBVA Foundation Awards for Biodiversity Conservation will be chaired by the Director of the BBVA Foundation or his delegatee, and will include a person designated by the BBVA Foundation acting as secretary, with speaking but no voting rights, and between six and a maximum of ten members of outstanding merit and acknowledged prestige in the realm of environmental conservation and communication, appointed by the BBVA Foundation.

The composition of the jury will be publicly disclosed.

The jury may choose to declare the awards wholly or partially void.

The jury’s decision will not be open to appeal. No itemized or individual information will be provided on the submissions received or the deliberations of the prize juries.

No laureate may hold the award in more than one category in this edition.

No awards may go to winners in any of the previous three editions of the BBVA Foundation Awards for Biodiversity Conservation.

The awards will be decided in the six months following the closing date of the present call. The awards will be presented at a ceremony organized by the BBVA Foundation, during which the public will be informed of the activities and achievements of the winning entrants.

The individuals and organizations receiving the awards must agree to take part in this presentation ceremony. The submission of entries under this call signifies the acceptance of its conditions and award decisions, which are not subject to appeal, and renunciation of any claim in their respect.

Exceptionally, the BBVA Foundation reserves the right to make changes in the wording of these conditions, for duly justified reasons, with the sole purpose of clarifying their content, without such changes in any case implying a substantial or arbitrary alteration of the same. The text of the conditions, and the corresponding FAQs, which we advise you to read, will be available for the duration of this call on the BBVA Foundation website: http://www.biophilia-fbbva.es/en/ and/or http://www.fbbva.es/en/.

To begin a submission under this call, you must first enter a valid email address. You will be sent a message to this account with a form access password, which you will need to complete the form in various sessions, saving partially each time.

This registration email, which is linked to the person filling in the form, can be changed at any point in the process and does not have to coincide with the email address of the head of the organization carrying out the candidate action or of the candidates themselves.

Before moving on to select the award category you are entering for, you must accept the call conditions and Personal Data Processing terms.

The online form allows you to choose between Spanish (ESP) and English (ENG) via the button in the top right-hand corner.

The choice of category appearing will depend on the language selected at the top right of the screen:

1. Spanish:
   • BBVA Foundation Award for Biodiversity Conservation in Spain
   • BBVA Foundation Award for Biodiversity Conservation in Latin America
   • BBVA Foundation Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation
   • BBVA Foundation Award for Knowledge Dissemination and Communication in Biodiversity Conservation in Spanish – Audiovisual formats
   • BBVA Foundation Award for Knowledge Dissemination and Communication in Biodiversity Conservation in Spanish – Other formats
2. English:
   • BBVA Foundation Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation

IMPORTANT: The award category cannot be changed once you have saved the form for the first time.

No candidature may appear in more than one category in the same award call. However the same organization can submit as many actions as it chooses in any of the three categories, as long as they are clearly differentiated in the descriptive narrative and come with their own letters of support.

1. Details of organization: Specifying particulars such as name and contact data, type of organization, tax identification number, legal form and date of establishment, among others.
   Indicate also whether the action has been submitted in earlier award editions, in which case you should specify the year and title.
2. Description of the organization carrying out the action: Covering the following points:
   1. Description of the organization:
      • Type
      • Legal form
      • Number and profile of the organization’s staff
      • Number of volunteers working with the organization
      • Characteristics of the external professional services required to carry out its activities
3. Description of the organization’s activity and track record:
   1. Providing information on the main biodiversity and environmental conservation actions undertaken in the last five years, with dates.
   2. Providing information on the main biodiversity and environmental conservation actions scheduled for the near- and mid-term future, with projected dates.
      The description should have a maximum of 5 pages and be attached as a PDF file no larger than 2MB.
      You will find the description template for the present call at this link.

Candidates may provide a maximum of three letters of support.

Note that letters of support are not obligatory, and candidatures can be submitted without them.

The letters, which will be kept confidential, should be dated and signed, and addressed to the chair of the jury in the corresponding category of the BBVA Foundation Awards for Biodiversity Conservation. They can be presented in either Spanish or English. Files should be in PDF format and no larger than 2MB.

The process for presenting letters of support is as follows:

1. The signatories of letters of support should be identified on the online form using the “Add endorser” button. Their details will be saved and a letter request issued.
2. The signatories of letters of support will receive an email directing them to access the form by entering their email address and a password generated automatically by the system and included in the message they will receive. Once they have entered these data through the corresponding link, they will be sent a second activation password (OTP code) that they will be asked to verify. This second password will be valid for 10 minutes.
3. This will take signatories to the digital environment where they can upload their letters, which is configured in English by default. They can switch to Spanish by selecting “Esp” in the top right-hand corner.
   At this point, they can also edit their personal details, except for the email address.
4. Once the letter has been uploaded the system will send a confirmation email to both the person completing the form and the endorsing party.
5. Letter of support signatories can upload their letters through the link provided up to the closing date for submissions.
6. If the email address of a signatory is changed after a letter has been requested, the link provided will cease to be valid. The signatory will be sent an email stating that their letter is no longer needed. In the event that they have already uploaded it, the letter will be deleted. Only the last person whose name appears in the online form will be able to access the virtual environment.
7. The system allows you to send a reminder to endorsers who have not attached a letter by clicking on the envelope icon next to their name.

Letters of support may not be provided by the person submitting the candidature, who will have no access to their contents.

Provide information and specific documentation relative to the biodiversity conservation action presented in this call:

1. Type of action: State whether the candidate action dealt with habitats or species and whether it was organized along campaign or other lines. In the case of habitats, specify either terrestrial or marine, and in the case of species, specify a conservation status from those employed in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), choosing from extinct, endangered or least concern.
2. Geographical scope of the action: State the geographical scope within which the action unfolded: local, regional, national, in collaboration with other countries, etc. (maximum 500 characters).
3. Biodiversity conservation action summary: Provide a concise outline (maximum of 2000 characters) of the key aspects of the candidate action.
4. Summary of use to be made of prize money if the project wins the award: Give a concise account (maximum 200 characters) of how the money will be spent in the event of winning the award.
5. Description of the biodiversity conservation action undertaken: Provide a project narrative that covers the points listed under the following headings.
   1. Background: description (background, needs and context), beneficiaries and location of the action.
   2. Objectives, methodology, work plan and funding: objectives (general and specific), work schedule (start and end date of activities), project implementation (methodology, work plan and work team), degree of cooperation needed to carry out the action, and source and application of funds. Short curriculum vitae of the main participants with an outline of the role performed by each.
   3. Results and impact: description of concrete, tangible results obtained, an account of the specific biodiversity conservation benefits deriving from these results, list of organizations that have verified results, evaluations of the results of the action, objective indicators of the action’s effectiveness and impact (effects on beneficiaries, quality, place and duration, resources employed) and impact (social, economic, cultural, political, others).
   4. Account of steps undertaken to guarantee the action’s continuity going forward.
   5. Communication activities (directed at the media) and dissemination initiatives (publications, workshops, lectures, etc.) around the action and its results.

This description should run to a maximum of 10 pages and be attached as a PDF file no larger than 4MB. You can find a form with a sample description for the present call at this link.

You may include up to 20 attachments substantiating the execution of the candidate project. All materials should be uploaded via the digital tool or identified via an external link (recommended for video and audio).

These materials can be presented in any language. However each attachment should be identified by its original title and a short description of the contents in Spanish, inserting the query link in the appropriate section. In the category BBVA Foundation Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation, this summary may be written in either Spanish or English (maximum 500 characters).

Files should be attached in PDF format, and be no larger than 4MB.

When materials are identified by an external link to a website, they should be available for download until at least the announcement of the jury’s award decision on the BBVA Foundation website (www.biophilia-fbbva.es/en/).

Before sending the submission and finalizing the process, you can check that the data entered in the various sections are correct by directly accessing the steps of the form through the corresponding tabs.

You can submit the completed entry by clicking on the “Send” button on the bottom right of the form. The system allows you to complete the process even if letters of support have not yet been received. You will also be asked to affirm the truthfulness of all the information provided.

The person completing the form and the candidate(s) will then receive an automated email with the summary and key details of their submission.

What do the BBVA Foundation Awards for Biodiversity Conservation consist of?

• The BBVA Foundation Award for Biodiversity Conservation, in its Spain, Latin America and Worldwide categories, comes with a cash prize of 250,000 euros, a diploma and a commemorative artwork.
• The BBVA Foundation Award for Knowledge Dissemination and Communication in Biodiversity Conservation in Spanish comes with a cash prize of 80,000 euros, a diploma and a commemorative artwork in each of its two sub-categories. If this award goes to a joint entry comprising two or more individuals, its monetary amount will be divided equally among
• All awards in whatever category are subject to the withholding and other taxes stipulated in current legislation, which will be deducted from their monetary amount.

Does the winning organization have to disclose how it will spend the prize money?

• The prize money must be spent to further the purposes of the receiving organization in the manner that it determines, with the decision notified to the BBVA Foundation within the six months following the award presentation ceremony.

And in the case of the BBVA Foundation Awards for Knowledge Dissemination and Communication in Biodiversity Conservation in Spanish?

• In this case, the award money can be spent as the winners see fit.

Who can be a candidate in the BBVA Foundation Award for Biodiversity Conservation in Spain?

• Public or private non-profit entities headquartered in Spain and established prior to the year 2023.
• They must state activities relating to environmental and biodiversity conservation as part of their organizational purpose.
• The actions submitted for this award must have been carried out in Spain. They will be of an eminently applied nature and may not consist exclusively or principally of scientific research.
• For the award to be formalized, the Foundation will require the winning organization to provide a copy of its entry in the corresponding registry in Spain.

Who can be a candidate in the BBVA Foundation Award for Biodiversity Conservation in Latin America?

• Public or private non-profit entities headquartered in a Latin American country and established prior to the year 2023.
• They must state activities relating to environmental and biodiversity conservation as part of their organizational purpose.
• The actions submitted for this award must have been carried out in one or more Latin American countries. They will be of an eminently applied nature and may not consist exclusively or principally of scientific research.
• For the award to be formalized, the Foundation will require the winning organization to provide a copy of its entry in the corresponding registry in Latin America.

Who can be a candidate in the BBVA Foundation Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation?

• Public or private non-profit entities headquartered in any country and established prior to the year 2023.
• They must state activities relating to environmental and biodiversity conservation as part of their organizational purpose.
• The actions submitted for this award must be of an eminently applied nature and may not consist exclusively or principally of scientific research.
• Candidate actions can have been carried out in any country, albeit with a significance and scope that extends beyond its borders.
• For the award to be formalized, the Foundation will require the winning organization to provide a copy of its entry in the corresponding registry.

Can an organization present more than one candidate in the same award category?

• Yes, an organization can submit as many actions as it chooses in the same award category, as long as they are suitably identified in the project description and any letters of support clearly state which one they are endorsing.

Can an organization headquartered in Spain or a Latin American country present an entry for the BBVA Foundation Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation?

• Yes, provided the candidate action has a significance and scope that extends beyond the borders of Spain or the relevant Latin American country. 

Can public administration bodies present themselves as candidates for the Biodiversity Conservation Awards?

• Yes, the Biodiversity Conservation Awards are open to any public organization or entity with legal personality whether operating at national, regional or local level, provided they were established prior to the year 2023.

Can consortia and alliances present themselves as candidates for the Biodiversity Conservation Awards?

• Consortia and alliances will not be eligible for the award unless they can provide the documentation specified in point 4 of the call conditions:
  1. Document attesting to the nature of the organization and its engagement in the activities stated in point 2 of these call conditions. Also, where appropriate, a copy of the organization’s entry in the corresponding registry.
  2. Copy of the organization or institution’s bylaws or governing regulations.
  3. Copy of its tax identification number.
  4. Where appropriate, a certificate from the tax authorities attesting to the organization’s charitable or non-profit status.

Who can be a candidate in the BBVA Foundation Award for Knowledge Dissemination and Communication in Biodiversity Conservation in Spanish in its two sub-categories?

• Natural persons of any nationality engaging in communication, dissemination or awareness-raising activities in the realm of biodiversity conservation.
• Joint entries will be accepted from two or more persons (up to a maximum of 20) that have engaged collaboratively in tasks of biodiversity conservation communication and dissemination in Spanish. In such cases, the documentation submitted should focus on this shared trajectory.

Can an organization, entity, company or collective put itself forward for the BBVA Foundation Award for Knowledge Dissemination and Communication in Biodiversity Conservation in Spanish in its two sub-categories?

• No, this category is reserved for natural persons.

Can winning entries in previous editions compete in the awards?

• No organization or natural person can put themselves forward for a BBVA Foundation Award for Biodiversity Conservation if they have been winners in any of the previous three editions.

How many letters of support does a candidate need to receive?

• Each candidature can provide up to three letters of support.
• Note, in any event, that letters of support are not obligatory and candidatures can be submitted without them.

In what languages can letters of support be submitted?

• In Spanish or in English.

What format should they be in? 

• Letters of support should invariably be submitted in PDF format.

What information should be provided in letters of support in the Spain, Latin America and worldwide categories of the Biodiversity Conservation Awards?

• Letters should offer a short reasoned account of the significance of the specific conservation action put forward for the award, along with its overall contribution to environmental conservation.

What information should be provided in letters of support for the BBVA Foundation Award for Knowledge Dissemination and Communication in Biodiversity Conservation in Spanish in its two sub-categories?

• Letters should offer a short reasoned account of the significance of the candidate or candidates’ single most notable contribution to communication, education and awareness-raising in the realm of environmental and biodiversity conservation, along with their general contribution to disseminating knowledge and mobilizing social awareness around the need to conserve nature.
• In the case of joint candidatures, letters should make express reference to all members, with a particular focus on their collaborative contributions.

What is the procedure for providing letters of support?

• The signatories of letters of support should be identified on the online form using the “Add endorser” button. Their details will be saved and a letter request issued.
• The signatories of letters of support will receive an email directing them to access the form by entering their email address and a password generated automatically by the system and included in the message they received. Once they have entered these data through the corresponding link, they will be sent a second activation password (OTP code) that they will be asked to verif This second password will be valid for 10 minutes. This will take signatories to the digital environment where they can upload their letters, which is configured in English by default. They can switch to Spanish by selecting “Esp” in the top right-hand corner.
• At this point, they can also edit their personal details, except for the email address.
• Once the letter has been uploaded the system will send a confirmation email to both the person completing the form and the endorsing party.
• Signatories of letters of support can upload their letters through the link provided up to the closing date for submissions.
• If the email address of a signatory is changed after a letter has been requested, the link provided will cease to be valid. The signatory will be sent an email stating that their letter is no longer needed. In the event that they have already uploaded it, the letter will be deleted. Only the last person whose name appears in the online form will be able to access the virtual environment.
• The system allows you to send a reminder to endorsers who have not attached a letter by clicking on the envelope icon next to their name.
• The content of letters of support is confidential, and may not be viewed by candidates.

Once the awards have been decided, will candidates have access to the letters of support received?

• No. To ensure the independence and rigor of the BBVA Foundation Awards for Biodiversity Conservation, comply with current legislation on the protection of personal data and preserve the confidentiality of the letters of support provided, candidates will in no event be given access to the content of such letters.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that you read carefully through the Instructions, information and documentation before filling in the form.

What technical aspects should I bear in mind when completing a submission?

• The system is compatible with versions of Chrome above 40, Firefox above 35, Safari above 8 and Internet Explorer above 11.
• At each step, the online form will specify a series of fields for you to complete. Check that you have correctly filled in all the required fields before going on to the next page.
• Entries may be completed over various sessions, with users saving and retrieving the partially completed form until the process has finalized.
• The form will be saved automatically as you advance through the steps, but you can also save it manually using the “Save and Exit” button at the top right of the screen. Each time you save a partially completed form, the system will email you a link and a password that you can use until the submission is complete. Also, each time you return to the form, you will be sent an email with a reactivation password (OTP code).
• On accessing the saved form, it will open at the last page completed.
• Once the submission is complete, you will not be able to access it or make changes.
• In general, you are advised not to copy and paste text into the form. It is better to type in the content using the Latin alphabet, without an elaborate format, or to convert it first to a text file (.txt).
• Once the submission is complete, the person completing the form and the candidate(s) will receive a submission summary and a reference number which they should quote in all subsequent correspondence with the BBVA Foundation.
• The material for candidatures in the BBVA Foundation Worldwide Award for Biodiversity Conservation can be presented in Spanish or in English.
• The material for candidatures in the two categories focused on Spain and Latin America must be presented in Spanish, with the exception of letters of support, which may also be in English.
• We recommend that only one person complete the form, and that they do not keep it open in multiple sessions simultaneously.
• To avoid incidents when uploading, the links provided and the file names of attached documents should not be excessively long or contain accents, commas or other symbols. We suggest you keep them short.
• The system performs an automatic security scan of all attached documents, which may take some time depending on the size of the files.
• You are asked not to fill in the form using capital letters, unless their use is required by the rules of grammar or spelling.
• If you do not receive an email confirming a partially saved form, check that it has not gone to your spam tray or that you are not using some filter that could block emails from the account premios@fbbva.es and otp-manager@bbva.com.

If we have not answered your questions, please contact the BBVA Foundation directly at premios@fbbva.es. We will be happy to assist you.